Commitment! What does it mean? Where are we at this time of our lives together in our commitment? If you said your vows in front of witnesses, what did the commitment mean to you? Would you change or add to any of those commitments? What would that look like?
First, let us explore the word commitment. Commitment means you are willing to share a large part of your life with another person. It involves honest communication with each other. “Sticking together through thick and thin”, through the good times and the not-so-good times.
On our wedding day, we promised to be together “for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness, and in health, to love and to cherish.” We were married in a Baptist church, but these words are very universal. Some of you may have written your own vows. Some may be considering what your vows would be?
We invite you to explore your past and present commitment by having a dialogue with each other about your memories of that first commitment and anything you might want to add or amend today.
- Recall your initial vows. Where did they occur? What did you commit to?
- Would you say the same things today? Would you add/or delete anything?
- Have you had a recommitment ceremony or considered having one?
- What commitments have you made to your partner other than what you said in your vows?
- What is the most important commitment that your partner has made to you?
- Are there other commitments that may get in the way of your commitment to your couple relationship (work, family. career, friends, volunteering, etc.)?
You have an opportunity to have a deep sharing in your couple relationship, whether is at its beginning or you have been together for a long time. Choose a time when you can explore your commitment and recommit to each other.
-Carl and Nancy Terry